As April begins, it’s important we recognize Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Every day, countless lives are affected by distracted driving incidents, and it’s up to each one of us to prioritize safety on the roads. As your Sheriff, I urge you to join me in taking a stand against distracted driving and committing to safer habits behind the wheel.
Distracted driving comes in many forms, including texting, eating, or even adjusting the radio. Any activity that diverts your attention from the road significantly increases the risk of accidents. To combat this issue, here are some simple yet effective tips to stay safe:
- Put Your Phone Away: Texts, calls, and notifications can wait. Keep your phone out of reach, or better yet, turn it off or enable the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature.
- Plan Ahead: Before hitting the road, set your GPS, adjust your mirrors, and secure any loose items in your car. Minimize the need for multitasking while driving.
- Take Breaks: Long drives can be exhausting, leading to decreased focus. Schedule regular breaks to stretch your legs, grab a snack, and refresh your mind.
- Avoid Multitasking: Eating, drinking, and grooming should be done before or after your journey, not while driving. Keep both hands on the wheel and your focus on the road.
- Be Mindful of Emotional Distractions: Stress, anger, or sadness can impair your judgment and reaction time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to calm down before continuing your journey.
Remember, every decision you make behind the wheel affects not only your safety but also the safety of others sharing the road with you. Let’s work together to make our community safer by eliminating distracted driving. Stay focused, stay safe.
Recognizing Harris County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputies
During National Volunteer Month, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly celebrates the remarkable contributions of its Reserve Command, who exemplify the spirit of service and dedication. These unsung heroes encompass a diverse array of roles, each vital in upholding the safety and well-being of our communities.
For over 40 years, the Reserve Command has been instrumental in enhancing law enforcement efforts, providing monetary donations exceeding $100 million to Harris County. With approximately 200 volunteers, the Reserve Command includes countless professionals, including engineers, doctors, corporate managers, and attorneys, all united by their commitment to serving their community.
These dedicated individuals undergo the same rigorous training, background checks, and exams as full-time deputies, embodying the same legal authority and responsibilities. From patrolling the streets to conducting criminal investigations and assisting in fugitive transports, Reserve deputies serve in various capacities across the HCSO, ensuring the safety and well-being of Harris County residents.
One example of the impact of Reserve deputies is demonstrated by Mary Manning-Ring, a Reserve deputy who recounted a memorable experience. Responding to a domestic violence call years ago, Mary played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of a victim. Years later, at a church function, the community member recognized Mary and expressed gratitude for “helping her out of a difficult situation.”
As we commemorate National Volunteer Month, join us in extending our deepest gratitude to all Reserve deputies of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and beyond. Their selfless dedication and unwavering commitment create a better community for all.
WATCH: HCSO Women’s Empowerment Center Transforming Lives
On February 2023, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office inaugurated the Women’s Empowerment Center, a gender-responsive, reentry-focused facility suitable for women’s care, better preparing them for release. We are sharing the inspiring story of Ashley Alanis, a mother of three who had a challenging upbringing that led her to make poor choices.
Unfortunately, these choices resulted in her incarceration at Harris County Jail. However, Ashley was fortunate enough to be selected to participate in the Women’s Empowerment Center, which provided her with a second chance to turn her life around. “Just want to say thank you to our Women’s Empowerment Center because, I mean, you all help me. I can only imagine how many women you are going to help next,” said Alanis.
Ashley earned a certificate while in the WEC and now has a job at a restaurant, which has allowed her to see life from a new perspective and work towards a brighter future with her family.
HCSO In The News
ABC13: HCSO hosts news conference for any victims linked to a 23-year-old man accused of 6 sex assault cases.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Harris County Sheriff’s Office hosted a news conference on Friday, asking for any victims of a 23-year-old New Caney man accused in several cases of sexual assault involving minors.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
CW39: Harris County Sheriff’s Office warns drivers to protect their vehicles as thieves look for easy targets.
HOUSTON (KIAH) — Whether you’ve been a victim of an auto theft or know a neighbor who has, auto and catalytic converter thefts are still happening in our communities.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Division is working to protect drivers from becoming an easy target.
ABC13: Road Damage Causes over a dozen flat tires on I-10 East Fwy near San Jacinto River, sheriff says
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Damage to the roadway on the I-10 East Freeway is being blamed for more than a dozen flat tires Monday morning.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said about 10 to 15 vehicles had damage to tires after driving over the hole.
HCSO Teammate of the Week
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Teammates of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO highlight exceptional teammates who serve others above and beyond their duties. We regularly receive positive emails, thank you notes, and phone calls from the community.
“Deputy Perez in the Mental Health Unit was the only mental health deputy on-call in Harris County the night an Army Reserve Unit had an emergency mental health crisis. He drove over 40 minutes to arrive and spent three hours in a conversation with a soldier before exercising hard judgment to place her into involuntary care, potentially saving her life and the lives of others and putting her on a path to recovery,” said a Harris County resident.
Deputy Perez joined HCSO in 2016 as a detention officer. He became a deputy in the fall of 2019. He has worked in patrol and is now a member of the Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT).
4th Annual Car Show
Join the HCSO Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association at the Fourth Annual Car Show on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Crosby Church, 5725 US-90, Crosby, TX 77532.
All vehicles are welcome. They will have door prizes, complimentary coffee, food, a silent auction, and a raffle! Proceeds support the HSCO Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association. Hope to see you there!
Women’s History Month Spotlight
In honor of Women’s History Month, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) are celebrating some of our agency’s remarkable women.
Meet HCSO Lead Paralegal Sana Ramazanova.
“To have a whole month fully dedicated to courageous women who changed history is an excellent reminder that we are stronger than we think and can make changes. Still, women should be celebrated daily,” said Lead Paralegal Ramazanova. “Women fought for their place in modern society, including law enforcement. We now see more women in leading positions in law enforcement, both uniformed and civilian.”
Ramazanova joined HCSO in 2013 as an executive paralegal and later became part of the HCSO Legal Team. In March 2020, she became the Lead Paralegal. As the Lead Paralegal, she assists the Legal Director in providing legal support to all departments within HCSO.
Meet Deputy Investigator Jae K. Philipbar.
“Women’s History Month reminds us of the progress made toward gender equality and the work that still needs to be done to achieve full equity and inclusivity for women in all aspects of society,” said Investigator Philipbar. “My mother has inspired me. Throughout my life, her tireless hard work to provide for our family and witnessing her determination and work ethic helped me strive for my own aspirations.”
Investigator Philipbar joined HCSO three years ago and has been in law enforcement for the last decade. Before transferring to the Vehicular Crimes Division (VCD) and becoming an Accident Investigator, she worked in District 1 in north Harris County.
Meet HCSO Chaplaincy Services Manager Natasha E. Young.
“Women’s History Month is a time to stand firmly on the knowledge that every woman has been uniquely created and gifted for a greater purpose than herself,” said Manager Young. “As women, we can better support and empower each other. Feminine culture needs to shift so that we share information, celebrate each other, mentor each other, and fix each other’s crowns without telling the world.”
Manager Young joined HCSO in 2005 as a licensed counselor and then moved into chaplaincy
Upcoming HCSO Career Fairs
Are you looking for a Career? Join Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Recruitment Team at upcoming career fairs! For more information regarding our available positions, visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
Upcoming Career Fairs:
- April 3: LSC True Crime Camp and Career Fair from 9 am to 1 pm. Location TBD.
- April 3: Fairbanks Lone Star College Career Fair (14955 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77040) from 10 am to 12 pm.
On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!
It’s that time again! In April 2024, Harris County is hosting the 10th annual Employee 5K. Compete virtually all month, or in person on April 27th.
To register, scan the QR code or visit benefitsathctx.com
Community Activist Sabrina Greenlee Visits The Women’s Empowerment Center
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office welcomed Community Activist and domestic violence survivor Sabrina Greenlee at the Harris County Jail Women’s Empowerment Center (WEC).
Sabrina Greenlee, the mother of Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, shared her experience surviving domestic violence with the residents of the WEC. Ms. Greenlee gave her powerful testimony to the women in hopes of positively impacting their lives and raising awareness about this important issue.
Together, we can make a stand to end domestic violence. If you need help, call 911 or 713-221-6000.
HCSO Easter Egg Hunt
The HCSO SWAT, Bomb & CNT built and donated beeping Easter eggs to visually impaired children.
We partnered with the Conroe Independent School District to hold an egg hunt for 20 children. The beeping plastic eggs allowed the visually impaired kids to find the eggs on their own. A big shout-out to the teammates who made this possible.